Located just west of Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica beach is an iconic example of the famed Southern California beaches.

Tourists and visitors come to the Santa Monica State Beach because it:

is large, at 3.5 miles in length

has a maintained, soft sand beach

is within walking distance to popular hotels, shops and restaurants

offers a variety of activities and attractions

is an iconic beach in Southern California

Beach basics

Because the beach is long (3.5 miles in length) it is helpful to divide the beach into two sections: north of the pier and south of the pier.

North of the pier

Santa Monica State Beach on the north side of the pier is separated from the city by the palisades (an ocean bluff) and the Pacific Coast Highway. A series of bridges, walkways and stairs provide access to the beach from the city.

The Annenberg Community Beach House is at the far north end of the beach, with houses and parking lots running along the Pacific Coast Highway to the Santa Monica Pier.

Santa Monica Pier

In the middle of the beach, extending from Colorado Blvd and the center of Santa Monica is the Santa Monica Pier. Featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and restaurants, the pier is a landmark for the beach and the city.

South of the pier

Santa Monica beach on the south side of the pier is level with the city, with parking lots, parks, homes and hotels bordering the beach.

The original Muscle Beach (featuring gymnastics equipment), International Chess Park and Carousel Park are located just south of the Santa Monica Pier, along with Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar.

Getting to the beach

Walking & biking

If you are staying close to the beach in a nearby hotel or parking at an adjacent lot, walking or biking to the beach is quick and easy. Paved and lighted paths, clear signage, accessible walkways and bike lanes are available the length of the beach.

On the north side of the beach, pedestrian access is available at:

Colorado Blvd.

Montana Ave.

Idaho St.

Arizona Ave.

Broadway Ave.

South of the pier, nearly all east / west streets lead directly to the beach. Popular entry points are close to beach parking lots at:

Bicknell Ave.

Ocean Park Blvd.

Look for wooden walkways on the beach to help haul gear. Find them just south of the Pier at Crescent Bay Park, at Bay Street and Arcadia Terrace. Walkways also extend adjacent to the Pier, and at the Annenberg Community Beach House.

For beachfront biking, the Marvin Braude Beach Trail runs from Pacific Palisades to Torrance. A number of bike rental and tour options are available throughout the city.

By Bus

The Big Blue Bus operates several routes that stop at or near the Santa Monica beach:

Route 1 (from UCLA / Venice Beach)

Rapid 3 (from LAX)

Rapid 7 (from West LA / Wilshire)

Rapid 10 (from Downtown LA)

Big Blue Bus day passes are $4.00 and can be purchased online or on the bus.

Driving

Driving to the beach is a popular choice for many Southern California residents, but roads can be very busy during the summer or holiday weekends.

Traveling From LAX

Santa Monica beach is only 8 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

By car, exit the airport and take Lincoln Blvd. / US 1 north to Santa Monica.

By public transportation, take the Big Blue Bus (Route 3 or Rapid 3).

Parking

Eight main parking lots are available along the length of Santa Monica State Beach, with on-street parking available nearby. Real-time parking information and a downloadable app are available through the City of Santa Monica. Many parking lots offer electric plug-in options as well.

Santa Monica beach parking lots are:

open from sunrise to sunset (with the exceptions of Lot 1N which is open from 6am to 2am and the upper Pier deck lot which is open 24 hours per day).

can range from $6 to $15 per day

located north of Santa Monica Pier (2 lots, including the Annenberg Community Beach House)

located at the Santa Monica Pier (upper Pier deck lot)

located south of the Santa Monica Pier (5 lots)

Beach Accessible Wheelchairs

Beach accessible wheelchairs are available through the City of Santa Monica at four locations.

What to do at the beach

Annenberg Community Beach House

The Annenberg Community Beach House features spectacular views, a children's play area / splash pad and a historic pool and Marion Davies Guest House offering docent tours as well as classes and rentals. It is a public facility, open to all with no membership required. Back on the Beach Café is also on site and offers beachfront breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

June through September parking reservations can be made online at Reserve Santa Monica, one to three days in advance.

Beachgoing

Sitting, playing and sunbathing are popular activities at the beach. A wide expanse of soft sand offers room for large summer crowds of residents and tourists.

Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals (a beach rental and local restaurant on the sand with multiple locations) offers a beach butler service with lounge chairs, a small table, an umbrella, a little cooler with 2 bottles of water and a wind guard for $50.00 per day. It’s also a great spot to grab breakfast or lunch on the beach.

Exercise

Santa Monica beach is home to the original Muscle Beach (not the weightlifting kind, that’s Venice Beach) featuring gymnastic equipment including parallel bars, rings, swings and ropes are available for kids and adults.

Numerous volleyball courts are first-come, first-served courts are situated at various locations north and south of the pier.

Bicycling

The Marvin Braude Beach Trail (known to locals as "The Strand" or South Bay Bicycle Trail) is a 22 mile long, paved trail that starts in Santa Monica and finishes at the Torrance County Beach.

Attractions

The Santa Monica Pier, International Chess Park, and Carousel Park are easy to find and centrally located on the beach.

Eating

Picnic areas and parks along the edge of the Santa Monica beach are popular spots for locals and tourists. Nearby hotels, the pier and Ocean Ave. also offer a variety of restaurants, cuisines and price points.